Morphological, physiological and genetic characteristics of protozoa of genus Acanthamoeba, isolated from different deposit of bentonite in Ukraine

The representatives of genus Acanthamoeba are widespread in the environment. The presence of freeliving Acanthamoeba sp. in such mineral deposits as bentonite was shown for the first time. Identification of isolated amoeba was conducted according to morphological features of trophozoites and cysts, as well as using sequencing of gene 18S RNA (amplifier GTSA.B1). The obtained data showed that isolated amoebae belong to the genotype T4 and II morphological group (cyst size <18 μm). For its growth, ”bentonite” amoebae are intensively used bacteria of the genus Cellulosimicrobium sp. as a food substrate.

In Vivo Confocal Microscopy Cellular Features of Host and Organism in Bacterial, Fungal, and Acanthamoeba Keratitis

PURPOSE

To determine cellular features of fungal (FK), Acanthamoeba (AK), and bacterial keratitis (BK) using HRT3 in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).

DESIGN

Prospective observational cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Eligible participants were adults with microbiologically positive FK, AK, or BK, of size ≥ 3 mm, attending Aravind Eye Hospital from February 2012 to February 2013. Exclusion criteria were descemetocele or perforation. At presentation, IVCM imaging was performed, then corneal scrapes were obtained for culture/light microscopy. An experienced grader (masked to microbiology/clinical features) assessed IVCM images for presence/absence of normal keratocyte-like morphology, stellate interconnected cells with/without visible nuclei, dendritiform cells (DFCs), inflammatory cells in a honeycomb distribution, and organism features. Statistical significance was assessed by logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, ulcer size, and symptom duration. Main outcome measures were presence/absence of IVCM features in FK, AK, BK.

RESULTS

A total of 183 participants had FK, 18 AK, 17 BK. Acanthamoeba appeared as bright spots (16/18, 89%), double-walled cysts (15/18, 83%), or signet rings (3/18, 17%), and often formed clusters after topical steroid use (univariable odds ratio [OR] 9.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-97.96, P = .048). BK was associated with bullae in anterior stroma (OR 9.99, 95% CI: 3.11-32.06, P < .001). Honeycomb distribution of anterior stromal inflammatory cells was associated with FK (univariable OR 2.74, 95% CI: 1.01-7.40, P = .047). Aspergillus ulcers were associated with stromal DFCs (OR 11.05, 95% CI: 1.49-82.13, P = .019) and Fusarium ulcers with stellate appearance of interconnected cell processes with nuclei (OR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.09-0.65, P = .005).

CONCLUSION

Specific cellular and structural features observed using IVCM in microbial keratitis may be associated with organism.

Comparative examination on selected amphizoic amoebae in terms of their in vitro temperature tolerance – a possible indirect marker of potential pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba strains

Acanthamoeba species are ubiquitous in natural and man-made environments worldwide; some strains are able to colonize human eyes as facultative parasites. It has been shown that environmental and clinical isolates/species of Acanthamoeba vary in their pathogenicity. In this study we examine and compare the in vitro effects of the changing temperature on the population dynamics of subsequent amoebic strains. Identification of Acanthamoeba strain by morphological and molecular methods and temperature assays were performed. Monitoring of the corneal and environmental strains showed changes in population densities and a termo-tolerance correlating with pathogenicity of amoebae. Comparative assessment of results indicated differences in viability of amoebic populations in exponential growth phase in vitro cultivation. The increased awareness of the threat is needed for better understanding of impact of factors examined on pathogenesis in human infected with Acanthamoeba strains.

Isolation and identification of Acanthamoeba spp. from thermal swimming pools and spas in Southern Brazil

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are widely distributed in soil and water. A few number of them are implicated in human disease: Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris and Sappinia diploidea. Species of Acanthamoeba can cause keratitis and brain infections. In this study, 72 water samples were taken from both hot tubs and thermal swimming pools in the city of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, to determine the presence of Acanthamoeba in the water as well as perform the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of the isolates. The identification of the isolates was based on the cysts morphology and PCR amplification using genus-specific oligonucleotides. When the isolates were submitted to PCR reaction only 8 were confirmed as belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba. The sequences analysis when compared to the sequences in the GenBank, showed genotype distribution in group T3 (12,5%), T5 (12,5%), T4 (25%) and T15 (50%). The results of this study confirmed the presence of potentially pathogenic isolates of free living amoebae in hot swimming pool and spas which can present risks to human health.

Raman spectroscopic study on the excystation process in a single unicellular organism amoeba (Acanthamoeba polyphaga)

An in vivo Raman spectroscopic study of amoeba (Acanthamoeba polyphaga) is presented. The changes of the spectra during the amoeba cyst activation and excystation are analyzed. The spectra show the changes of the relative intensities of bands corresponding to protein, lipid, and carotenoid components during cyst activation. The presence of carotenoids in the amoeba is observed via characteristic Raman bands. These signals in the Raman spectra are intense in cysts but decrease in intensity with cyst activation and exhibit a correlation with the life cycle of amoeba. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using Raman spectroscopy for the detection of single amoeba microorganisms in vivo and for the analysis of the amoeba life activity. The information obtained may have implications for the estimation of epidemiological situations and for the diagnostics and prognosis of the development of amoebic inflammations.

In vitro acanthamoebicidal activity of fusaric acid and dehydrofusaric acid from an endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. Tlau3

Acanthamoeba is a genus of free-living protozoa that can cause sight- and life-threatening diseases in man. Its control is still problematic due to the lack of effective and nontoxic acanthamoebicidal agents. Herein, we report the first finding of an in vitro killing effect of fusaric acid and dehydrofusaric acid, isolated from metabolites of the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex Tlau3, on Acanthamoeba trophozoites isolated from two clinical (AS, AR) and two soil (S3, S5) samples. AS, AR, and S3 were classified as members of the T4 genotype, whereas S5 belongs to T5. The fungal extract was found to exhibit acanthamoebicidal activity, and activity-guided fractionation led to the isolation and identification of active principles, fusaric acid and dehydrofusaric acid. Their effects were in concentration- and time-dependent manners. Fusaric acid and dehydrofusaric acid showed IC₅₀ values against AS trophozoites of 0.31 and 0.34 µM, respectively. Commercial fusaric acid displayed the same acanthamoebicidal activity as that of the isolated fusaric acid, and therefore, commercial fusaric acid was used throughout this study. IC₅₀ values of commercial fusaric acid against AR, S3, and S5 trophozoites were 0.33, 0.33, and 0.66 µM, respectively. Fusaric acid calcium salt has a history of usage as a hypotensive agent in humans with no observed toxicity. The present study suggests that fusaric acid may serve as a starting point for the development towards therapeutic and environmental acanthamoebicides with low toxicity to humans.

Detection of free living amoebae, Acanthamoeba and Naegleria, in swimming pools, Malaysia

This study reports the detection of Acanthamoeba and Naegleria species in 14 swimming pools around Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sampling was carried out at 4 sites (the platforms (P), wall (W), 1 meter from the wall (1) and middle (2)) of each swimming pool. These free living amoebae (FLA) were detected under light and inverted microscopes after being cultured on the surface of non-nutrient agar lawned with Escherichia coli. Acanthamoeba species were detected in higher number of culture plates from all sampling sites of all the swimming pools. While Naegleria, were detected in fewer culture plates at 3 sampling sites (absent at site P) of 8 swimming pools. This suggested that the thick double-walled cysts of Acanthamoeba were more resistant, thus remaining viable in the dry-hot areas of the platforms and in chlorinated water of the swimming pools whereas Naegleria cysts, that are fragile and susceptible to desiccation, preferred watery or moist areas for growth and proliferation. The prevalence of both FLA was highest at site W (76.2%), followed by site 1 (64.7%), lowest at site 2 (19.4%), and could be detected at all 3 sampling levels (top, middle and bottom) of these 3 sites. The surface of site W might act as a bio-film that accumulated all kinds of microbes providing sufficient requirement for the FLA to develop and undergo many rounds of life cycles as well as moving from top to bottom in order to graze food. Other factors such as human activities, the circulating system which was fixed at all swimming pools, blowing wind which might carry the cysts from surroundings and the swimming flagellate stage of Naegleria could also contribute to the distribution of the FLA at these sampling sites. Both FLA showed highest growth (80.4%) at room temperature (25-28 ºC) and lesser (70.0%) at 37 ºC which might be due to the overgrowth of other microbes (E. coli, fungi, algae, etc). While at 44 ºC, only Acanthamoeba species could survive thus showing that our swimming pools are free from potentially pathogenic Naegleria species. However, further study is needed in order to confirm the virulence levels of these amoebae isolates.

[Use of the presence of cellulose in cellular wall of Acanthamoeba cysts for diagnostic purposes]

Species identification within the genus Acanthamoeba is based predominantly on morphological and biochemical features. It is labor-intensive and requires cloning and axenization. We described a novel immunocytochemical method for the identification of Acanthamoeba spp. based on selective binding of Clostridium cellulovorans cellulase to protozoan cyst wall cellulose. Free-living amoebae isolated from different water sources by filtration and subsequent cultivation on non-nutrient agar were assigned to genera Acanthamoeba, Naegleria or Hartmannella using morphological taxonomic criteria. Tissues samples from experimentally infected mice were fixed in formalin and for sectioning embedded in paraffin or snap frozen. The Cellulose-Binding Domain of C. cellulovorans cellulase (CBD) obtained as a recombinant protein, were coupled to the fluorescent dye using Alexa Fluor350, 488, 568 - Protein Labelling Kit or labelled with the biotin using EZ-Link Sulfo-NHS-Biotin. All coupling procedures were performed according to the methods provided by manufacturers. For staining with CBD conjugate, slides containing cysts collected from the agar plates or tissue sections were immersed with PBS and incubated with CBD for 30 min at room temperature, washed 3 times with PBS. For staining with CBD-biotin slides containing cysts were incubated with biotinylated CBD for 30 min at room temperature. Subsequent washings in changes of PBS were followed by the incubation with Strept ABComplex/HRP, for 30 min at room temperature, than 3,3 diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride was added for 15 min. Slides were rinsed with water, dried and examined in the light microscope. We showed that cellulose could be easily detected by immunofluorescence using conjugated CBD in the inner cyst wall of Acanthamoeba spp. The reference strains of Acanthamoeba spp. and all Acanthamoeba strains isolated from water and from tissues of infected animals gave positive reaction. CBD prepared as a biotynylated protein can be also used for the demonstration of Acanthamoeba cyst in infected tissues and environmental samples.

Exploiting amoeboid and non-vertebrate animal model systems to study the virulence of human pathogenic fungi

Experiments with insects, protozoa, nematodes, and slime molds have recently come to the forefront in the study of host–fungal interactions. Many of the virulence factors required for pathogenicity in mammals are also important for fungal survival during interactions with non-vertebrate hosts, suggesting that fungal virulence may have evolved, and been maintained, as a countermeasure to environmental predation by amoebae and nematodes and other small non-vertebrates that feed on microorganisms. Host innate immune responses are also broadly conserved across many phyla. The study of the interaction between invertebrate model hosts and pathogenic fungi therefore provides insights into the mechanisms underlying pathogen virulence and host immunity, and complements the use of mammalian models by enabling whole-animal high throughput infection assays. This review aims to assist researchers in identifying appropriate invertebrate systems for the study of particular aspects of fungal pathogenesis.

The application of in vivo confocal scanning laser microscopy in the management of Acanthamoeba keratitis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II, Rostock Cornea Module, HRTII-RCM) in the management of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK).

METHODS

Four eyes of four patients with AK seen at Keio University Hospital at the Department of Ophthalmology were studied in this single-center, prospective, interventional case series. All patients were routinely examined by slit-lamp microscopy including corneal fluorescein staining. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was also measured before and after the treatment for AK. Both the scraped corneal epithelium and soft contact lens (SCL) storage solution in each patient's SCL case were cultured. Patient corneas were examined regularly using the HRTII-RCM before treatment and after commencement of medications including azoles, echinocandins, and chlorhexidine.

RESULTS

All patients had various degrees of conjunctival injection, corneal edema, stromal opacity with radial keratoneuritis with slit-lamp examination. Cultures for AK were positive in three out of four cases by corneal scraping. Contact lens storage solutions were also positive in three of four cases. HRTII-RCM examination could detect Acanthamoeba cysts or trophozoites in all eyes before corneal scraping. No organisms were detectable in any of the cases in any of the corneal layers four to six weeks after treatment. The BCVA improved with treatment in three of four eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

HRTII-RCM could effectively demonstrate cysts and trophozoites and the nature of the inflammatory process in AK. In vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy employing HRTII-RCM could provide an end-point for treatment, saving the patient from additional invasive diagnostic procedures and unneeded exposure to long term topical or systemic medications.

Identification of Acanthamoeba sp. in paraffin-embedded CNS tissue from an HIV+ individual by PCR

The opportunistic pathogens, Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia, are the causative agents of the fatal central nervous system (CNS) infection granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. We report an infection of Acanthamoeba in an HIV+ individual. In the present case, multiple lesions were observed in the skin, brain, lung, liver, and bone. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay specific for Acanthamoeba was positive on tissue from a brain biopsy that had been embedded in paraffin. This report demonstrates the need for the consideration of Acanthamoeba infections in HIV+ individuals with skin lesions and multiple lesions throughout the body with CNS involvement. The results of the present study demonstrate that opportunistic amoebic infections can be diagnosed by PCR from paraffin-embedded biopsy material.

[Observations on Acanthamoeba trophozoites in axenic cultures and their staining characteristics with different stains]

Acanthamoeba spp. are among the most prevalent protozoa found in the environment. The species of this genus are the causative agents of granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE), a fatal disease of the central nervous system (CNS), and amebic keratitis (AK), a painful sight-threatening disease of the eye. In this study we have used two species of Acanthamoeba, Acanthamoeba castellanii and A. hatchetti, both were obtained from Vienna, Austria. They were cultivated on non-nutritious agar seeded with Escherichia coli and PPYG (protease peptone-yeast extract-glucose) medium. Our aim was to concentrate on three points in relation to the trophozoites and cysts stages of these species as follows: (i) to observe their morphology, (ii). to confirm our previous observation of a canal between two trophozoites. The bridge-like connection between these trophozoites greatly resembled the one that can be observed in conjugation during an exchange of genetic material. Two tro-phozoites with a bridge-like extension between them keep their position for at least 200 minutes. (iii). to detect the reactions of trophozoites to various stains. According to our findings in regard to these three points: (i). trophozoites with more than one nucleus are often seen in axenic cultures. (ii). This resembles a type of conjugation with a transfer of genetic material between two trophozoites. Certainly, this needs further investigation using more sophisticated methods. (iii). trophozoites equally stained well with Heidenhain's iron haematoxylin, Giemsa, PAS, Masson Trichrome, and Toludin-O stains. However, our results with reticulin, PAP, Van Gison, Musicarmine and Orsein stains were not satisfactory.

[Infections caused by free-living amebas. Historical commentaries, taxonomy and nomenclature, protozoology and clinicopathologic features]

Infections caused by free-living amebae constitute one of emergent opportunistic infections with greatest medical interest. Although infrequently, they have been described in almost all world, its diagnosis depends on a high index of suspicion, especially in morpho-pathologic and laboratory studies. Exciting historical features of infections due to free-living amebae, its taxonomy and the present nomenclature are briefly reviewed. An analysis of the protozoology of the most frequent agents is done and, based on the author's own experience and the published one, already established anatomo-clinical entities are described: the primary amebic meningoencephalitis, granulomatous amebic encephalitis, Acanthamoeba keratitis, cutaneous acanthamoebiasis, disseminated infection and other rare isolated locations.

Amoebae promote persistence of epidemic strains of MRSA

The control of healthcare-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is of concern worldwide. Given the evidence that several pathogenic species replicate within amoebae and emerge more virulent and more resistant and the abundance of amoebae in healthcare settings, we investigated interactions of Acanthamoeba polyphaga with epidemic MRSA isolates. MRSA proliferated in the presence of amoebae, attributable partly to intracellular replication. Following 24 h of co-culture, confocal microscopy revealed that c. 50% amoebae had viable MRSA within phago-lysosomes and 2% of amoebae were heavily infected with viable cocci throughout the cytoplasm. Infection control strategies should recognize the contribution of protozoa.

Intracellular localization and trafficking of serine proteinase AhSub and cysteine proteinase AhCP of Acanthamoeba healyi

Proteinases have been proposed to play important roles in pathogenesis and various biologic actions in Acanthamoeba. Although genetic characteristics of several proteases of Acanthamoeba have been reported, the intracellular localization and trafficking of these enzymes has yet to be studied. In the present study, we analyzed the intracellular localization and trafficking of two proteinases, AhSub and AhCP, of Acanthamoeba healyi by transient transfection. Full-length AhSub-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fusion protein was found in intracellular vesicle-like structures of transfected amoebae. Time-lapse photographs confirmed the secretion of the fluorescent material of the vesicle toward the extracellular space. The mutated AhSub, of which the pre or prepro region was deleted, was found to localize diffusely throughout the cytoplasm of the amoeba rather than concentrated in the secretory vesicle. Transfection of the construct containing the pre region only showed the same localization and trafficking of the full-length AhSub. A cysteine proteinase AhCP-EGFP fusion protein showed similar localization in the vesicle-like structure in the amoeba. However, using Lyso Tracker analysis, these vesicular structures of AhCP were confirmed to be lysosomes rather than secretory vesicles. The AhCP construct with a deletion of the prepro region showed a dispersed distribution of fluorescence in the cytoplasm of the cells. These results indicated that AhSub and AhCP would play different roles in Acanthameoba biology and that the pre region of AhSub and pro region of AhCP are important for proper intracellular localization and trafficking of each proteinase.

Histological studies of selected organs of mice experimentally infected with Acanthamoeba spp

Histological studies of the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, and the spleen were carried out in mice previously infected with 6 pathogenic strains of free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba. The potential virulence of the strains studied was determined on the basis of re-isolation of the amoebae from the organs of the inoculated animals and by the extent of the histopathological changes inflicted. The most virulent was strain AD16, affecting all organs of the inoculated mice, while the least virulent was strain AD148 re-isolated from the brain of a single mouse. The extent of the changes in the brain depended upon the amoebae strain, while in the remaining organs it also depended upon the duration of the infection.

Isolation and identification of pathogenic Acanthamoeba strains in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain from water sources

A comprehensive survey to document the presence of free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba was conducted in tap water and sea water sources related to human environments in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Acanthamoeba identification was based on the morphology of cyst and trophozoite forms and PCR amplification with a genus-specific primer pair. The pathogenic potential of Acanthamoeba isolates was characterized by temperature and osmotolerance assays and PCR reactions with two primer pairs related to Acanthamoeba pathogenesis. The results demonstrate the presence of potentially pathogenic strains in both sources. Thus, some of the amoebae in these aquatic habitats can act as opportunistic pathogens, could play a role in the diseases of aquatic organisms, and may present a risk to human health.

Evaluation of Acanthamoeba isolates from environmental sources in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Tests for potentially pathogenic amoebae were carried out in order to determine the presence of free-living amoebae of genus Acanthamoeba in soil and beach sand sources related to human environments in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Acanthamoeba identification was based on the morphology of cyst and trophozoite forms and PCR amplification with a genus specific primer pair. The pathogenical potential of Acanthamoeba isolates was characterized by temperature and osmotolerance assays and PCR reactions with two primer pairs related to Acanthamoeba pathogenesis. The results demonstrate the presence of potential pathogenic strain in both sources. Thus, some of the amoebae found in these habitats could act as opportunistic pathogens and may present a risk to human health.

Intracellular multiplication of Legionella species and the influence of amoebae on their intracellular growth in human monocytes: mono mac 6 cells and Acanthamoeba castellanii as suitable in vitro models

Legionellae are important etiological agents of pneumonia. Legionella pneumophila (predominantly serogroup 1) is detected in most cases of legionellosis; other species only occasionally cause infections, predominantly in immunocompromized patients. Aquiferous technical systems are the primary source of infection (air-conditioning systems, refrigerators, showers, whirlpools, springs, taps, moisturizing equipment, medical nebulizers, and swimming pools). Legionellae are present in the water in these systems, within the amoebae, flagellates, and ciliates in which they replicate. After inhalation of contaminated aerosols, the bacteria multiply intracellularly within alveolar macrophages. The ability to multiply within monocytic host cells is usually considered to correspond to pathogenicity. The mechanisms of intracellular replication have been only partially characterized. Analysis of the molecular pathogenesis of Legionella infection, both in the pathogen itself and in the host cell, is the subject of current research and may lead to new options in prophylaxis and treatment. We have established the human Mono Mac 6 cell line (MM6) instead of the previously used histiocytic lymphoma cell line U 937 or the promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 to investigate the intracellular replication of legionellae and the molecular pathogenesis of Legionella infection within human monocytic host cells. MM6 cells represent a more mature macrophage-like cell line that expresses phenotypic and functional properties of mature monocytes and that does not need to be stimulated by phorbol esters or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. A good correlation between the prevalence of a given Legionella species and its intracellular multiplication in MM6 cells could be demonstrated.In addition to Legionella, MM6 cells were found to support the intracellular growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Chlamydia pneumoniae, two other important bacterial agents involved in induction of pneumonia. Therefore, the MM6 model might be adaptable to investigations of the molecular pathogenesis of other intracellular bacteria that can replicate within human monocytes and induce disease.

Kava lactones and the kava-kava controversy

Kava-kava is a traditional beverage of the South Pacific islanders and has had centuries of use without major side effects. Standardised extracts of kava-kava produced in Europe have led to many serious health problems and even to death. The extraction process (aqueous vs. acetone in the two types of preparations) is responsible for the difference in toxicity as extraction of glutathione in addition to the kava lactones is important to provide protection against hepatotoxicity. The Michael reaction between glutathione and kava lactones, resulting in opening of the lactone ring, reduces the side effects of the kava kava extracts. This protective activity was demonstrated using Acanthamoebae castellanii in which 100% cell death occurred with 100 mg ml(-1) kava lactones alone, and 40% cell death with a mixture of 100 mg ml (-1)glutathione and 100 mg ml (-1) kava lactones. A comparison of kava lactone toxicity with other pharmaceutical products is discussed and recommendations made for safe usage of kava-kava products

Phthalocyanine-photosensitized inactivation of a pathogenic protozoan, Acanthamoeba palestinensis

Incubation of Acanthamoeba palestinensis cells with a tetracationic phthalocyanine (RLP068) at concentrations ranging between 0.2 and 1.0 microM, caused a ready uptake of the photosensitizer with recoveries of the order of 0.5-2.5 nmol per mg of cell protein. The amount of cell-bound phthalocyanine did not appreciably change with incubation times ranging between 0.5 and 3 h. Fluorescence microscopic investigations showed an obvious accumulation of the phthalocyanine at the level of the vacuolar membranes. A nearly complete photoinduced cell death occurred upon irradiating A. palestinensis cells with 600-700 nm light with a total energy of 15-30 J cm(-2) using 1.0 microM RLP068 in the incubation medium. DAPI staining of the photosensitized cells indicates significant damage of the nucleus. On the other hand, photosensitization of the protozoan cells does not directly involve the mitochondria as shown by the lack of photoinduced decrease in the activity of typical mitochondrial enzymes, such as NADH dehydrogenase and citrate synthase.

Endocytobiont KC5/2 induces transformation into sol-like cytoplasm of its host Acanthamoeba sp. as substrate for its own development

New investigations of a novel, recently described, non-cultivable endocytobiont of Acanthamoeba sp. reveal at least three hitherto unobserved developmental stages which shed some light on the nature of this peculiar organism. The development of the endocytobiont is closely connected with conspicuous changes in the host amoeba, inducing the transformation from gel to sol-like cytoplasm which bulges like a balloon inside the host cell. Young and transitory developmental stages were found within the homogenous, sol-like cytoplasm. The infectious stages, with their voluminous cell wall and a conspicuous ostiole, could be observed within all parts of the cytoplasm with the exception of the nucleus. It is a remarkable adaptation for this parasite to be able to induce this gel-sol transformation in order to facilitate its own development. The fate of the heavily infected host amoebae is death by rupture or lysis after being overcrowded with parasites. As no structures could be observed within the endoparasites that were comparable to other bacteria, the real nature and taxonomic position of these peculiar organisms remain obscure.

[Acanthamoeba isolated from child thymus: Acanthamoeba growth during cocultivation with human and murine eukaryotic cells and induction of cytopathogenic effect on these cells]

A cell line of the ameba assigned to the genus Acanthamoeba by morphological and cariotypic signs and by the specific features of its life cycle was isolated from the thymus of a child operated on for heart disease. The line received the name CDHT (Cells Derived from Human Thymus). Actively proliferating mammalian cells maintain the multiplication of Acanthamoeba cells in vitro. Using thymocytes as an example, it was shown that death of these cells occurred through the mechanism of apoptosis. The human thymocytes preincubated with the supernatant obtained through the cocultivation of CDHT and thymocytes may also undergo apoptosis.

Effect of growth at low temperature on the alternative pathway respiration in Acanthamoeba castellanii mitochondria

Mitochondria of amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii in addition to the conventional cytochrome pathway possess, like plant mitochondria, a cyanide-resistant alternative quinol oxidase. In mitochondria isolated from amoeba batch culture grown temporarily at low temperature (6 degrees C), higher respiration was accompanied by lower coupling parameters as compared to control culture (grown at 28 degrees C). In the presence of benzohydroxamate, respiratory rates and coupling parameters were similar in both types of mitochondria indicating that growth in cold conditions did not disturb the cytochrome pathway. Increased contribution of alternative oxidase in total mitochondrial respiration in low-temperature-grown amoeba cells was confirmed by calculation of its contribution using ADP/O measurements. Furthermore, in mitochondria from low-temperature- grown cells the content of the alternative oxidase was increased and correlated with the increase in the unstimulated and GMP-stimulated cyanide-resistant respiratory activity. A possible physiological role of higher activity of alternative oxidase as response to growth at a low temperature in unicellular organisms, such as amoeba, is discussed.

Role of the Legionella pneumophila rtxA gene in amoebae

Legionella pneumophila infects humans, causing Legionnaires' disease, from aerosols generated by domestic and environmental water sources. In aquatic environments L. pneumophila is thought to replicate primarily in protozoa. A 'repeats in structural toxin' (RTX) gene, rtxA, from L. pneumophila was identified recently that plays a role in entry and replication in human macrophages and also has the ability to infect mice. However, the role of this gene in the interaction of L. pneumophila with environmental protozoa and its distribution in different Legionella species has not been examined. Southern analyses demonstrated that rtxA is present in all L. pneumophila isolates tested and correlates with species that have been shown to cause disease in humans. To evaluate the importance of rtxA in the interaction with protozoa a series of studies was carried out in an environmental host for L. pneumophila, Acanthamoeba castellanii. The L. pneumophila rtxA gene plays a role in both adherence and entry into A. castellanii similar to that observed in human monocytic cells. Furthermore, it was found that rtxA is involved in intracellular survival and trafficking. In addition to demonstrating involvement of rtxA in the interaction of L. pneumophila with host cells, these data support a role for this gene both during disease in humans and in environmental reservoirs.

icmT is essential for pore formation-mediated egress of Legionella pneumophila from mammalian and protozoan cells

The final step of the intracellular life cycle of Legionella pneumophila and other intracellular pathogens is their egress from the host cell after termination of intracellular replication. We have previously isolated five spontaneous mutants of L. pneumophila that replicate intracellularly similar to the wild-type strain but are defective in pore formation-mediated cytolysis and egress from mammalian and protozoan cells, and the mutants have been designated rib (release of intracellular bacteria). Here, we show that the rib mutants are not defective in the activity of enzymes secreted through the type II secretion system, including phospholipase A, lysophospholipase A, and monoacylglycerol lipase, although they are potential candidates for factors that lyse host cell membranes. In addition, the pilD and lspG mutants, which are defective in the type II secretion system, are not defective in the pore-forming toxin. We show that all five rib mutants have an identical point mutation (deletion) following a stretch of poly(T) in the icmT gene. Spontaneous revertants of the rib mutants, due to an insertion of a nucleotide following the poly(T) stretch in icmT, have been isolated and shown to have regained the wild-type phenotype. We constructed an icmT insertion mutant (AA100kmT) in the chromosome of the wild-type strain by allelic exchange. The AA100kmT mutant was as defective as the rib mutant in pore formation-mediated cytolysis and egress from mammalian and protozoan cells. Both the rib mutant and the AA100kmT mutant were complemented by the icmT gene for their phenotypic defect. rtxA, a gene that is thought to have a minor role in pore formation, was not involved in pore formation-mediated cytolysis and egress from mammalian and protozoan cells. We conclude that the icmT gene is essential for pore formation-mediated lysis of mammalian and protozoan cells and the subsequent bacterial egress.

Adherence of Acanthamoeba to unworn conventional and disposable soft contact lenses

PURPOSE

To compare the adherence of Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts to two types of unworn conventional and disposable contact lenses included in groups 1 and 4 of the Food and Drug Administration and to assess the adherence to the center and edge of the lenses.

METHODS

We used 10 conventional and 10 disposable contact lenses belonging to groups 1 and 4 of the Food and Drug Administration. Each lens was divided into four segments. A human corneal isolate of Acanthamoeba suspended in saline (1x 105 amoebae/mL) was used. Lens segments were exposed to Acanthamoeba cysts and trophozoites for 2 hours. After removal, the count was made with an optical microscope at 100x magnification. Three fields at the center and three fields at the edge were read on each segment.

RESULTS

Acanthamoeba adhered to both types of contact lenses, with a proportion of trophozoites to cysts between 6:4 and 7:3. There was a significantly higher adherence to disposable (8.14 +/- 3.57 organisms/mm(2)) than to conventional (4.94 +/- 2.33 organisms/mm(2)) (p < 0.0001) contact lenses. We also found that the greatest adherence was to the edge of the conventional (12.05 +/- 4.03 organisms/mm(2)) and disposable (26.10 +/- 7.84 organisms/mm(2) (p < 0.0001) contact lenses.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that Acanthamoeba has varying adherence affinity for different new hydrogel contact lenses. The affinity for disposable lenses (etafilcon A) is significantly higher than that for conventional lenses (polymacon). This adherence is greater for ionic material and high water content. The use of low water content, nonionic contact lenses may reduce the adherence of Acanthamoeba. Finally, the edge may play an important role as an Acanthamoeba vector.

Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) analysis of Acanthamoeba healyi

Randomly selected 435 clones from Acanthamoeba healyi cDNA library were sequenced and a total of 387 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) had been generated. Based on the results of BLAST search, 130 clones (34.4%) were identified as the genes encoding surface proteins, enzymes for DNA, energy production or other metabolism, kinases and phosphatases, protease, proteins for signal transduction, structural and cytoskeletal proteins, cell cycle related proteins, transcription factors, transcription and translational machineries, and transporter proteins. Most of the genes (88.5%) are newly identified in the genus Acanthamoeba. Although 15 clones matched the genes of Acanthamoeba located in the public databases, twelve clones were actin gene which was the most frequently expressed gene in this study. These ESTs of Acanthamoeba would give valuable information to study the organism as a model system for biological investigations such as cytoskeleton or cell movement, signal transduction, transcriptional and translational regulations. These results would also provide clues to elucidate factors for pathogenesis in human granulomatous amoebic encephalitis or keratitis by Acanthamoeba.

Heterogeneity in cyst morphology within isolates of Acanthamoeba from keratitis patients in Thailand

We isolated Acanthamoebae from the first two keratitis patients identified in Thailand in 1988 and 1990. The patients developed decreased vision, severe photophobia, severe eye pain and foreign body sensation after minor corneal trauma. The lesions included generalized superficial punctate keratitis, stromal corneal ulcer with keratic precipitate and uveitis in one case, and corneal ulcer with abscess in the other. Both cases were diagnosed by isolation of characteristic trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba from corneal tissue by non-nutrient agar culture method. Based on cyst morphology, A. castellanii and A. polyphaga were detected in one case, and A. castellanii and A. triangularis in the other. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA-RFLP) revealed that each patient harboured a single parasite population. One shared mtDNA-RFLP with an authentic strain of A. castellanii, and the other gave a new unique pattern. Thus species identification of Acanthamoeba based on cyst morphology per se can be arbitrary, and mtDNA-RFLP may be more appropriate for accurate species/strain differentiation amongst morphologically heterogeneous populations of Acanthamoebae.

The mechanism of killing and exiting the protozoan host Acanthamoeba polyphaga by Legionella pneumophila

The ability of Legionella pneumophila to cause legionnaires' disease is dependent on its capacity to replicate within cells in the alveolar spaces. The bacteria kill mammalian cells in two phases: induction of apoptosis during the early stages of infection, followed by an independent and rapid necrosis during later stages of the infection, mediated by a pore-forming activity. In the environment, L. pneumophila is a parasite of protozoa. The molecular mechanisms by which L. pneumophila kills the protozoan cells, after their exploitation for intracellular proliferation, are not known. In an effort to decipher these mechanisms, we have examined induction of both apoptosis and necrosis in the protozoan Acanthamoeba polyphaga upon infection by L. pneumophila. Our data show that, although A. polyphaga undergoes apoptosis following treatment with actinomycin D, L. pneumophila does not induce apoptosis in these cells. Instead, intracellular L. pneumophila induces necrotic death in A. polyphaga, which is mediated by the pore-forming activity. Mutants of L. pneumophila defective in expression of the pore-forming activity are indistinguishable from the parental strain in intracellular replication within A. polyphaga. The parental strain bacteria cause necrosis-mediated lysis of all the A. polyphaga cells within 48 h after infection, and all the intracellular bacteria are released into the tissue culture medium. In contrast, all cells infected by the mutants remain intact, and the intracellular bacteria are 'trapped' within A. polyphaga after the termination of intracellular replication. Failure to exit the host cell after termination of intracellular replication results in a gradual decline in the viability of the mutant strain bacteria within A. polyphaga starting 48h after infection. Our data show that the pore-forming activity of L. pneumophila is not required for intracellular bacterial replication within A. polyphaga but is required for killing and exiting the protozoan host upon termination of intracellular replication.

Cytopathogenicity of Acanthamoeba isolates on rat glial C6 cell line

The pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba isolates from keratitis patients (the Hamburg isolate from Germany, H-1 and a Philippine isolate, IB-1-7) as well as an environmental isolate, W4 was assayed in vitro using rat glial C6 cell line. Results indicate that both live amebae and cell-free supenatants from H-1 and IB-1-7 clones produced cytopathic effects (CPE) on rat glial C6 cells in a dose-and-time-dependent fashion. A dose of 10(5) cells/ml induced death and moderate areas of destruction of individual cells after 48 hours of incubation. Results of both free zone capillary electrophoresis and sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis suggest the release of amebic products to the culture medium that could at least partially explain the observed cytopathogenicity after 48 hours. Furthermore, results of SDS-PAGE indicate differences between the secretions of the isolates, with bands produced by the two ocular isolates that were not seen with the environmental isolates. That the secretions can produce a cytopathic effect (CPE) has been shown by the cytotoxicity assays using protein concentrations of the secretory products. Protein concentration of 0.30 microg/microl of culture supenatants from H-1 and IB-1-7 clones produced similar effects on the cell monolayers after 2 hours of incubation. This concentration caused the highest % cell death as measured by both trypan blue exclusion (TBE) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. In contrast, using W4 clone, corresponding concentrations of both trophozoites and culture supernatant did not cause significant cell death and cellular disintegration.

Intracellular bacteria of Acanthamoebae resembling Legionella spp. turned out to be Cytophaga sp

Acanthamoeba sp. isolated from the drinking water system of a hospital harboured gram-negative bacteria multiplying inside phagosomes and within the cytoplasm of their host cells. According to their morphology demonstrated by electron microscopy they resembled Llaps (Legionella-like amoebal pathogens) but turned out to be Cytophaga sp. as shown by a typical profile of cellular fatty acids obtained by means of gas-liquid chromatography.

Field's stain--a rapid staining method for Acanthamoeba spp

Acanthamoeba sp. is a free-living amoeba known to cause chronic central nervous system infection or eye infection in humans. Many cases remain undetected for want of a good detection system. We report for the first time a rapid staining method to facilitate the identification of Acanthamoeba sp. using the modified Field's staining technique. A. castellanii, which was used in the present experiment, is maintained in our laboratory in mycological peptone medium (Gibco). The cultures were pooled together and smears were made on glass slides for staining purposes. Different types of stains such as Field's stain, modified Field's stain, Wright's stain, Giemsa stain, Ziehl-Neelsen stain, and trichrome stain were used to determine the best stain for the identification of this amoeba. The concentration of various stains and the duration of staining were varied to provide the best color and contrast for each stain. Acanthamoeba was also obtained from the brain of experimentally infected mice and was stained with various stains as mentioned above to determine the best stain for use in identifying the presence of this parasite in experimentally infected animals. The modified Field's stain gives a very good color contrast as compared with other stains. Furthermore, it takes only 20 s to be carried out using the least number of reagents, making it suitable for both laboratory and field use.

New technique for the cytologic identification of presumed Acanthamoeba from corneal epithelial scrapings

PURPOSE

To describe a cytologic technique for the rapid identification of presumed Acanthamoeba organisms from corneal epithelial scrapings.

METHODS

After administering topical anesthesia, we removed the affected corneal epithelium with a scalpel blade. The tip of the blade, containing the scrapings, was washed off into a cuvette with a solution of an alcohol-based fixative for cytology specimens. The blade was immersed in the cuvette and agitated to ensure that the sample was collected. The specimen was fixed for at least 10 minutes and processed by cytospin centrifugation.

RESULT

Seventy-five patient samples have been studied with this technique, with excellent preservation of the organism.

CONCLUSIONS

The organism preservation with this technique is superior to that of conventional smears and permits confirmatory organism identification by immunohistochemistry.

Transcription by RNA polymerase II during Acanthamoeba differentiation

The rates of transcription of several protein coding genes during Acanthamoeba differentiation have been examined by nuclear run-on and RNase protection assays. During early encystment, transcription by RNA polymerase II increases approximately 4-fold, whereas transcription by RNA polymerases I and III is decreased, as previously described. The rates of transcription from a wide variety of individual genes are only slightly affected during the first 16 h of encystment, although profilin gene expression is markedly increased. The levels of mRNAs encoding TPBF, TATA binding protein, cyclin-dependent kinase, protein disulfide isomerase, profilin, myosin II heavy chain, ubiquitin and extendin are stable during mature cyst formation, whereas mRNAs encoding actin, S-adenosyl methionine synthase and tubulin are substantially decreased in abundance within 16 h of starvation-induced encystment. We conclude that in contrast to the negative regulation of large rRNA and 5S rRNA synthesis during differentiation, the RNA polymerase II transcription apparatus is not negatively regulated. Control of Acanthamoeba differentiation is likely to be mediated by positive regulation of genes necessary for cyst maturation.

[Bacterial endosymbiosis within the cytoplasm of Acanthamoeba lugdunensis isolated from a contact lens storage case]

Transmission electron microscopy of an Acanthamoeba isolate (KA/L5) from a contact lens case revealed bacterial endosymbionts within cytoplasm of the amoebae. The Acanthamoeba isolate belonged to the morphological group II. Based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of 18S ribosomal RNA coding DNA (rDNA), the isolate was identified as A. lugdunensis. Strain typing by isoenzyme analysis using isoelectric focusing (IEF) and mitochondrial (Mt) DNA RFLP revealed that the isolate was closely related with KA/L1, the most predominant type of isolates from contact lens storage cases, KA/E2, a clinical isolate, KA/W4, previously reported to host endosymbionts, and L3a strains of A. lugdunensis. The endosymbionts were similar to those of KA/W4 in aspects that they were randomly distributed in both trophozoites and cysts, and were rod-shaped bacteria measuring approximately 1.38 x 0.50 microns. But the number of endosymbionts per amoeba was significantly lower than that of KA/W4. They were neither limited by phagosomal membranes nor included in lacunaelike structure.

Flow cytometric determination of endocytosis of viable labelled Legionella pneumophila by Acanthamoeba palestinensis

Endocytosis of fluorescently labelled cells of Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) by free-living Acanthamoeba palestinensis (A. palestinensis) has been studied using flow cytometry. L. pneumophila cells were labelled with CM-DiI, a lipophilic fluorescent probe under conditions that did not modify viability. Coculturing the bacteria with amoebae was accompanied by rapid endocytosis; after 5 min, 90% of the amoebae had internalized bacteria. This percentage remained unchanged during further coculture, but the number of bacteria ingested per amoeba increased. Moreover, the number of ingested bacteria was found to be dependent on the size of the amoeba. The validity of the internalization analyzed by flow cytometry was confirmed by observation using epifluorescence and phase contrast microscopy. CM-DiI labelling associated with flow cytometry provides a very valuable technique for the determination of bacteria endocytosis by free-living amoeba.

Osmolarity is an independent trigger of Acanthamoeba castellanii differentiation

Like many yeasts, bacteria, and other sporulating microorganisms, Acanthamoeba castellanii (Neff), a free-living amoeba with pathogenic relatives, differentiates into a dormant form when deprived of nutrients. Acanthamoeba cysts redifferentiate into trophozoites when food is resupplied. We report here that Acanthamoeba encystment is also triggered by elevated osmolarity, and that osmolarity and cell surface receptor binding are synergistic in triggering differentiation. Additions of sodium chloride or glucose to rich growth media were used to produce specific osmolarity increases and similar encystment results were obtained with either additive. Although many organisms, including Acanthamoeba and mammalian cells, have been shown to adapt to hyperosmolar conditions, this is the first demonstration that hyperosmolarity can be a primary differentiation signal.

Outbreak of keratitis presumed to be caused by Acanthamoeba

PURPOSE

A sharp increase of Acanthamoeba keratitis from two cases per year to 30 cases per year at our institution prompted this study to determine whether there was a change in the clinical characteristics, basic epidemiology, and outcome of this disease.

METHODS

We reviewed all cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis diagnosed at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from mid-1993 through 1994.

RESULTS

We screened 217 patients with keratitis by tandem scanning confocal microscopy and suspected Acanthamoeba in 51 patients. Diagnosis was confirmed by cytology in 43 patients (48 eyes). There were no positive cultures. Patients examined within four weeks of onset of symptoms were younger (mean age, 32.6 +/- 15.4 years) and wore contact lenses (11 of 18 patients), and infrequently herpes simplex keratitis (four of 18 patients) was diagnosed. Patients examined after four weeks were older (mean age, 54.0 +/- 19.5 years), infrequently wore contact lenses (six of 25 patients), and often had herpes simplex keratitis (12 of 25 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Corneal examination with tandem scanning confocal microscopy was associated with a marked increase in the detection of Acanthamoeba, strongly suggesting that the disease is more prevalent than suspected. Acanthamoeba may account for many cases of clinically presumed herpes simplex keratitis, the leading cause of corneal blindness in the United States. Acanthamoeba should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any unexplained keratitis, even those of short duration.

Confocal microscopy findings of Acanthamoeba keratitis

PURPOSE

Tandem scanning confocal microscopy was performed on two patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis to provide images detailing characteristic findings of the disease. Although tandem scanning confocal microscopy of Acanthamoeba has been described in previous reports, Acanthamoeba keratitis has not been fully characterized with this instrument. In vivo confocal micrographs showed the double-walled structure of the Acanthamoeba cyst and associated radial keratoneuritis (perineuritis).

METHODS

We reviewed the records of two patients with a clinical diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis, one with culture-proven Acanthamoeba and the other with a suspected Acanthamoeba infection. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and in vivo tandem scanning confocal microscopy were performed. The images obtained were compared with images from patients without corneal disease.

RESULTS

High-contrast round bodies suggestive of Acanthamoeba cysts, as previously described, and irregular forms suggestive of Acanthamoeba trophozoites were found by tandem scanning confocal microscopy. Additionally, we showed conclusively that under certain circumstances (that is, corneal scarring) tandem scanning confocal microscopy can resolve the double-walled structure of the Acanthamoeba ectocyst surrounding the endocyst. Furthermore, radial keratoneuritis was demonstrated, consisting of an irregularly swollen nerve fiber with probable amoebic infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS

Confocal microscopy can be a useful, noninvasive imaging technique helpful in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Acanthamoeba pearcei n. sp. (Protozoa: Amoebida) from sewage contaminated sediments

Seabottom sediments from a discontinued Philadelphia-Camden 40-Mile ocean sewage disposal site were cultured for cyst-forming free-living amoebae. Barge delivered wastes were discharged at the site from 1973 until 1980 when the site was closed. One station at the southeast margin of the site was sampled at a depth of approximately 50 m, twice in 1978 and once in 1982, 1983 and 1984. Sediment from the 1978 collection yielded Acanthamoeba polyphaga, Vahlkampfia sp., and an unknown amoeba with stellate endocysts similar to those of A. astronyxis. Trophozoites and cysts of the isolate were typical of those described for the genus Acanthamoeba. Biochemical tests employing enzyme electrophoresis and morphological studies on live and stained specimens showed that the isolate was distinct from other well-described species within the family Acanthamoebidae Sawyer & Griffin, 1975.

Isolation of N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase from Acanthamoeba castellanii

The lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase (beta hex) has been purified from Acanthamoeba castellanii growth medium by a three step procedure. The enzyme was precipitated with ammonium sulfate, partially purified on a DE52 column and purified to homogeneity on an affinity column. The purified beta hex appeared to be a monomer with a molecular mass of 58 kDa and a pI of approximately 5.8. The enzyme activity in growth medium at RT was stable for several months. The purified beta hex was enzymatically deglycosylated and injected into two rabbits to make polyclonal antibodies. One antiserum was specific for beta hex, but the other stained many bands on immunoblots of whole cell preparations. Using fluorescently labelled secondary antibodies we have determined that both antisera stain digestive vacuoles in the Acanthamoeba cytoplasm, and do not stain the contractile vacuole. The multi-specific antiserum had high avidity for beta hex, but also stained the carbohydrate portion of other molecules. These other molecules may be lysosomal enzymes as well, since the activity of several other lysosomal enzymes was partially immunoprecipitable with the antiserum. We plan to use these antibodies to study traffic patterns among the variety of vacuolar structures in Acanthamoeba cytoplasm.

Disseminated acanthamoeba infection in patients with AIDS: case reports and review

Acanthamoeba infection has been described as an opportunistic infection in persons with AIDS. We report two cases of patients with AIDS and acanthamoeba infection and review the manifestations of this protozoan infection in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. The diagnosis of this infection requires a high index of suspicion because the clinical and histologic manifestations may be confused with those of disseminated fungal or algal disease. Clinicians and laboratory personnel should be aware of this potentially fatal condition so that appropriate diagnostic studies can be performed and treatment can be urgently administered. Early initiation of therapy may alter the clinical outcome of the disease.

Microtubule-associated movement of mitochondria and small particles in Acanthamoeba castellanii

Using video-enhanced differential interference microscopy and digital image processing, we have observed organelle motility in Acanthamoeba castellanii. In amoebae taken from cultures in rapid growth phase, mitochondria and small particles moved over distances of several microns and at an average velocity of approximately 2 microns/s. Mitochondrial motility was verified by intensified fluorescence microscopy of cells that were labeled in vivo with the DNA-binding dye DAPI or the mitochondria-specific dye MitoTracker. We further studied the role of microtubules (MTs) in the translocation of cell organelles. Double-labeling of fixed cells with mitochondrial markers (anti-F1 beta antibody, MitoTracker) and cytoskeletal markers (anti-tubulin antibody, rhodamine-phalloidin) demonstrate that the mitochondria colocalize with MTs in the subcortical cell area and are excluded from the F-actin-rich cell cortex. Colchicine treatment resulted in an almost complete depolymerization of MTs and an inhibition of organelle motility. Moreover, we have directly visualized MTs in vivo in flattened amoebae. Mitochondria and small particles moved along the MTs in a bidirectional mode at an average velocity of approximately 1 micron/s. We conclude that the observed movement of mitochondria and small particles in Acanthamoeba castellanii mainly occurs via microtubules and associated motor proteins.

Cell surface control of differentiation in Acanthamoeba

Acanthamoeba castellanii (Neff) is a free-living soil amoeba with close relatives that are opportunistic pathogens. Trophozoites differentiate into cysts when deprived of nutrients; cysts convert into trophozoites, leaving the wall behind, in the presence of nutrients. The data presented here, which includes immunoaffinity purification of the receptor, indicate that cell surface molecular signals also control Acanthamoeba differentiation in both directions. Monoclonal antibodies that bind specifically to a 40 kD trophozoite protein initiate the encystment of trophozoites. When bound to cysts the same monoclonal antibodies prevent excystment. Washing away the antibody allows both trophozoites and cysts to resume normal activity. One of these monoclonal antibodies inhibits pinocytosis, while another has no effect on pinocytosis.

Growth condition-induced precocious activation of p34cdc2 kinase inhibits the expression of developmental competence

We examined the effect of growth conditions upon mitotic p34cdc2 kinase and developmental competence in Acanthamoeba castellanii. At G2/M of the cell cycle p34cdc2 kinase activity peaks in level, and p34cdc2 is transiently in a complex with newly synthesized cyclin B and phosphorylated on tyrosine (pre-MPF). Developmental competence peaks in level slightly preceding p34cdc2 kinase activation and pre-MPF accumulation. Under adverse growth conditions p34cdc2 kinase activation and transient pre-MPF accumulation occur at a reduced G2 phase length and smaller cell size. Developmental competence is not expressed during the shortened G2 phase. Cycloheximide inhibits the precocious p34cdc2 kinase activation and both the precocious accumulation of cyclin B and tyrosine phosphorylation on p34cdc2. No-codazole inhibits the precocious p34cdc2 kinase activation as well; however, it does not affect the precocious accumulation of pre-MPF. Developmental competence increases in level during artificially elongated G2 phases. The results indicate that, first p34cdc2 kinase activation requires cyclin B in a complex with p34cdc2 and the presence of intact microtubuli, second establishment of competence requires a certain length of G2, and third the regulation of pre-MPF accumulation, and thus of cyclin B expression, plays a role in the relationship among growth condition, cell cycle progression, and expression of the developmental program.

In vivo scanning slit confocal microscopy of Acanthamoeba keratitis. A case report

A 29-year-old woman presented with clinical signs and symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Scanning slit confocal microscopy revealed a 26-mu-diameter object, resembling an Acanthamoeba cyst, in the anterior stroma. Numerous ovoid objects (possibly inflammatory cells, trophozoites, or altered keratocytes) were present. Normal keratocyte nuclei and the anterior corneal mosaic, readily imaged by scanning slit confocal microscopy of the normal cornea, were noticeably absent. Subsequent corneal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis.

The localization of myosin I and myosin II in Acanthamoeba by fluorescence microscopy

We used several fixation protocols and a panel of monoclonal antibodies to re-examine the localization of myosin I and myosin II in Acanthamoeba. Two monoclonal antibodies that bind to the head of myosin II stain a range of particles in the cytoplasm. The smallest and most numerous cytoplasmic particles are about the same size and intensity as myosin II minifilaments and are distributed throughout the endoplasm. The largest particles stain like myosin II thick filaments and are concentrated in the cleavage furrow of dividing cells and in the tail of locomoting cells. Five different monoclonal antibodies that bind to the myosin II tail also stain cytoplasmic particles but with a limited range of intensity. None of the myosin II monoclonal antibodies stains the contractile vacuole or plasma membrane. Two monoclonal antibodies to myosin I gave punctate cytoplasmic staining that did not correspond clearly to any of the phase-dense particles in the cytoplasm. In many, but not all, locomoting cells, the myosin I staining was concentrated at the leading edge. Both myosin I antibodies stained a single cytoplasmic vacuole of variable size that was presumed to be the contractile vacuole. The antibody that binds myosin IA but not myosin IB stained novel intercellular contacts and the antibody that binds both myosin IA and myosin IB stained the plasma membrane, especially the tips of filopodia.